2001 Saturn LS
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 382 |
| 2001 | 582 |
| 2002 | 493 |
| 2004 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
26% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 150 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, A FIRE IN THE RESONATOR AND 4 OR 5 TIMES WHERE THE CAR JUST STOPS RUNNING AND I'M NOT ABLE TO GET IT TO START AGAIN FOR A WHILE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140315
16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 91 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 45 distinct reports on file.
INJURY7% of complaints: electrical system — 42 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE DEATHShow complaint excerpts
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT THE CATAYLIC CONVERTOR MELTED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH
NHTSA ODI report, 20031112
7% of complaints: engine — 41 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE AIR BAG SYSTEM HAS A LOWER SIDE IMPACT SAFING SENSOR THRESHOLD THAN SPECIFIED. BECAUSE OF THIS REDUCED THRES
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 00V235000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE TRANSAXLE SHIFT CABLE CLIP MISSING OR IMPROPERLY SEATED. WITHOUT THE CLIP,
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSAXLE SHIFT CABLE RETAINER CLIP TO VERIFY PROPER INSTALLATION AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CLIP AND ADJUST THE CABLE TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Campaign 00V344000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND MINIVANS. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES WERE BUILT WITHOUT THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF GENERANT, WHICH PRODUCES THE GAS THAT FILLS THE A
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE. TELEPHONE CALLS WERE MADE TO OWNERS ON JANUARY 29, 2001. FOLLOW UP OWNER MAILING BEGAN ON APRIL 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN A
Campaign 01V026000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PASSENGER AIR BAG THAT WAS MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A CHECK VALVE PIN. AN AIR BAG WITHOUT THE CHECK VALVE PIN COU
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DA
Campaign 02V329000 — check if this car was fixed
HEADLAMPS FLICKER OFF AND ON
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTRO
Campaign 03V231000 — check if this car was fixed
INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS
INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS
ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW TAIL LAMP REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTERS AND SOCKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
Campaign 05V245000 — check if this car was fixed
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE - STALL
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.2L 4-CYLINDER ENGINE, LINKS IN THE ENGINE'S TIMING CHAIN CAN SEPARATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
Campaign 07V519000 — check if this car was fixed
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE-STALL
TIMING CHAIN BREAKS, ENGINE STALL
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Saturn LS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (150 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (91 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V235000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V344000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V026000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V329000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V231000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V245000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V519000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2001 Saturn LS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saturn LS?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn LS have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.